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T5 lighting info?

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So im new to the aquarium scene, and even more so to planted tanks. I got my 55 gallon off craigslist and the hood had a T5 light bulb in it. Its a single long bulb. I am not sure how great it is or anything like that. I was about to get a java fern or two and was wondering how well it would this light bulb would be. Im not sure of the wattage, I would look to see but its night time and in the middle of the night.

Your regular T8 bulb would be fine for an aquarium, if you wanted a low-tech/low wattage light. However, they make High Output bulbs, now, for High Output light fixtures. Those are the T5 HO, or T8 HO bulbs. These are capable of putting out a lot more wattage than the standard bulbs/fixtures. The T8 HO isn't typically sold for aquarium settings, because the amount of light they would produce would probably end up being harmful for fish. That's why T5 HOs are being utilized more often and you'll be seeing people suggest you use T5s all over the place. HO bulbs/fixtures are typically used for planted tanks.